The start of demolition work at an arson-ravaged mill has been welcomed.

The derelict Albert Mill in Whitworth has become a hotspot for vandalism and nuisance fires since it fell into receivership and disrepair in 2009, but is now under new ownership, with plans being floated for up to 51 new homes on the site.

Internal work to prepare to demolish the arson-plagued mill began on June 15 and the whole building is expected come down within 21 days.

A fire crew manager says firefighters have been called out at least ‘200 times’ in the last 15 years to the Albert Street site – and they are glad demolition has finally begun.

It was the scene of a serious accident in 2009 when a firefighter fell through a hole in the floor while tackling a deliberate rubbish fire and in 2015 Rossendale council approved the use of compulsory purchase powers to take over the mill clearing the way for demolition.

Read More

Steve Morley, crew manager at Bacup Fire Station, said the fire service has been called out more than 200 times to the site in the last 15 years.

He said: “It’s been a major problem site for us. People used to dump rubbish at the rear of the site and set it on fire, and somebody once used it for a cannabis farm.

“From a fire safety point of view we don’t like going into the building because the floors have gone. It’s dangerous for us and for kids going in. We will be happy to have seen the last of it and had the last call to Albert Mill.”

Whitworth Mayor Coun Alan Neal said he was ‘delighted’ at the start of work on ‘the last grot spot in Whitworth’, but pleaded with parents to ensure children stay away from the demolition site.

He said: “Finally it’s coming down which is what the people of Whitworth have wanted for years. There is some very big equipment coming on site, I am not being melodramatic, if people try and break into that site they will be killed.

“There have been interim discussions between the planning officer and chief executive, it is down for housing on the forward plan, tentatively they are talking about 51 properties. It’s going to be a benefit to Whitworth.”